Madagascar-Cycling the 8th Continent

† Explanation of BAC Ride Fee – This fee is not included in the Estimated Cost and is non-refundable once submitted. The Ride Fee for US and Canada is $85 and $100 for all other countries, both are per participant.

Ride Description

OVERVIEW
Separated from the mainland around 88 million years ago, Madagascar is truly a world of its own.  Dubbed the "8th continent," the country is one of the very few places on earth where plants and animals have evolved in isolation, with a variety of flora and fauna endemic only to its territory. This bike (and hike) tour lets you appreciate the friendly Malagasy people before venturing away from civilization to marvel at biodiversity that literally can not be matched anywhere on the planet.  This is a loop ride designed for mountain bikes and lasts 15 days/14 nights with 7 full cycling days, 2 half cycling days and 3 full hiking days.

The tour begins with Happy Hour on Monday, July 31, 2017 in Antananarivo at the Relais des Planteaux Hotel, and ends with our arrival at Ivato International Airport (TNR) on August 14, 2017.

The journey starts in Antananarivo with our first overnight at the Relais des Plateaux Hotel where we have our welcome Happy Hour and briefing, followed by our first group dinner. Day 2 we transfer to Antsirabe for a shake off ride.  On Day 3 (34 miles) we explore the crater lakes of Andraikiba and Tritriva. We climb through terraced rice paddies to Lake Tritriva and explore the calderas. Day 4 (59 miles, our longest day) we cycle on a pleasant paved hilly road to Ambositra which is home to the Zafimaniry, an ethnic people who live in the forested mountains and are famous for their wood carvings, which are listed as one of UNESCO's intangible cultural heritages. On Day 5 we will transfer a short distance to the village of Camp Robin, where we ride into the lush rainforest reserve of Ranomafana National Park. Day 6 will be a hike in the park through rainforest to see Gold Bamboo Lemurs and over 100 species of birds. Day 7 we return to the bikes to explore Madagascar's only tea plantation at Sahambavy. Day 8 we will visit the wine region of Ambalavao and Fianarantsoa, the capital of the Betsilio ethnic group. On Day 9 we ride to Anja park, a grassland dotted with bizarre granite mountains.  On Day 10 we hike again, at the edge of the Andringitra Massif, an area famed for the ring tailed lemur and a hiking paradise. Day 11 our ride takes us to the base the L'Isalo Massif where we stay overnight and will enjoy spectacular views at sunset.  Day 12 is our last hiking day exploring the L'Isalo Massif with its canyons and wildlife.  Day 13 we bike again to ride through the national park before our transfer to Toliara where we have a rest day on Day 14 to soak up the sun and beach. Day 15 we are transferred to the airport for our internal flight to Ivato Airport in Antananarivo (TNR). We will be supported by an English speaking cycle tour leader.  A support van will transport luggage and provide emergency assistance to riders who are injured or become ill. The traditional BAC Happy Hour and meeting will be held each night to go over cue sheets and discuss the next day's ride or hike.

RIDE RATING
We cycle 316 miles and climb 15,424 ft. in 8 days. The days that fall above the 2B rating are Days 4 with 60 miles and 2686 ft of climbing, Day 5 with 3214 ft of climbing, Day 7 with 2706 ft of climbing, and Day 9 with 2893 ft of climbing. The cycling route is a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces - off-road sections are well worn.  Because of this, mountain bikes are REQUIRED for the trip.  We recommend that riders make arrangements with Spice Roads to rent a mountain bike if they do not wish to bring their own.

Hiking: On Day 6 we do an easy 6 km hike through the rain forest with lots of stopping for lemurs.  On Day 10 our hike starts out flat but is a more strenuous hike to the top of Chameleon Peak, then downhill for lunch and another 3 km on flat ground - 4-6 hours, approx 14 km. Day 12 is similar to Day 10 with more ups and downs but lots of stops to visit swimming holes and visit canyons - 4-6 hours, approx 15 km.

WEATHER
July and August are Madagascar's dry season with lows in the 50's and highs in the low 70's.

LODGING
Accommodations for 14 nights will be in hotels, bungalows, and B&B's. The lodging ranges from basic 3 star bungalows in national parks to 4.5 star hotels and B&B's. We stay overnight in Antananarivo, Antsirabe (2 nights), Ambositra, Ranomafana National Park (2 nights), Sahambavy, Ambalavao, Andringitra (2 nights), Ranohira/L'Isalo Massif (2 nights), and Toliara (2 nights).

LOGISTICS
Ivato International Airport (TNR) is the airport closest to Antananarivo, where we start and end our ride. The airport is about 10 miles from Relais des Plateaux Hotel and can be reached by taxi or public bus. Spice Roads will arrange shuttle service for those arriving on July 31st. There will be an extra charge for transfers for those arriving earlier.  On Monday, August 14th, we will be transferred to the airport in Toliara for our air transfer to (TNR) Ivato International Airport for our flight home. Flight times for the included internal flight from Toliara to Ivato International Airport (TNR) will be announced at a later date.  The tour ends with this flight to Ivato International Airport (TNR).

COST & ADMINISTRATION
Cost is per person, double occupancy.  The price includes 14 nights lodging, 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 14 dinners, cue sheets, GPS files, BAC Happy Hour refreshments, cycling jersey, and transport to and from airport as well as one internal flight to TNR airport at the end of tour. The price does not include the non-refundable $100 BAC ride registration fee, the cost of optional activities, or alcoholic drinks at included meals. For riders who choose to rent a mountain bike from Spice Roads, the cost is $250 for the two weeks, payable directly to Spice Roads, and is in addition to the $3950 estimated trip cost.  Please note that the BAC ride differs from the Madagascar trip described on the Spice Roads web site in that it includes a return flight to TNR (approx $300), Happy Hour drinks and snacks, creation of cue sheets and GPS routes for all riding days, and 3 nights in upgraded hotels. In addition there is a contingency fee that is added to every BAC ride.

The non-refundable BAC ride registration fee will be collected when you sign the Release of Liabilty online when you are accepted onto the ride. The $1000 deposit is required within two weeks of acceptance to the ride.  The second payment of $1475 is due Sept 1, 2016 and the final payment of $1475 is due on Feb 1, 2017.

Please make checks out to:

Marita Moberg

3756 Roscommon South

Martinez, GA  30907

SINGLES
Singles are welcome and we will help them to find a room mate.  If space allows, a limited number of solo rooms may be available for an additional charge of $550. If a single sharing a room cancels, he/she may still be liable for for the amount of the single suppliment for the remaining roommate.

CANCELLATION POLICY
The $100 BAC ride registration fee is not refundable unless the entire tour is cancelled.  Refunds will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped. The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour's remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations. If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time. If the canceling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report is completed. If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped, the canceling roommate may be liable for the single supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour. BAC encourages members to purchase personal trip cancellation insurance.

RIDE PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY
The most important rider responsibility is to read and fully understand the ride description. BAC tours depend on participants providing much or their own support.  Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles.  All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour.  Support our Ride Leaders and respect their decisions. Respond promptly to calls for payments and emails from the Ride Leader. At the ride, offer to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation.  And do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour.  Please keep the Ride Leader informed of any special requests you might have, or any issues as soon as they arise.

SIGN-UP
To submit a request to join this ride use the "links" displayed above this Ride Description. When you are accepted, the Ride Leader will move you from the Waitlist to the Pending List, and you will receive an email notification to login to the BAC website to sign the release of liability (ROL) and pay the BAC ride registration fee online. Send the $1000 initial deposit (check made out to the Ride Leader, not to BAC). To contact the Ride Director, "click" the name at the top of this Ride Description.